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Libraries aim to hook readers this summer

ESCANABA — Summer reading programs at the Gladstone and Escanaba public libraries begin next week.

At Gladstone Public Library, the summer of reading will begin Monday, June 12, and will run to Aug. 9. According to Lori Wells, director of the library, there will be no shortage of events taking place during the summer for kids of all ages to enjoy. The theme for this year’s reading program is “Build a Better World,” which is the same for all libraries across Michigan.

To kick-off the program, Wells said the library will be hosting a story hour celebration on June 21 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. and will feature reading, music, crafts and snacks.

Throughout the summer, Wells explained participants can log their amount of reading hours and with every hour they read, they will be eligible to enter into various bucket raffles for prizes that will be awarded at the conclusion of the program.

Wells said the library is currently seeking volunteers to help out with the summer reading program. Anyone interested is asked to contact the Gladstone Public Library at 428-4224.

On average, Wells said over 150 children partake in the opening and closing story hour celebration, adding the summer reading program is beneficial for kids to remain academically active during the off-school season.

“We’re excited,” said Wells.

At the Escanaba Public Library, Children’s Librarian Pat Fittante said the library will also be hosting a wide variety of events during the summer and will kick-off on June 12 and will continue until July 23. The program’s goal is to “promote early literacy and to help readers become familiar with the library and its services.”

Participants will receive a packet at registration on Monday which will include a schedule of weekly and special events, explained Fittante.

Weekly activities that will take place include lunch with the Munch Bunch, a knit and crochet program, afternoon games, bookmark contest and scavenger hunts.

On June 13, professional magician Cameron Zvara will host a free show at the library beginning at 7 p.m.

In addition, the library will also be hosting a Current Events presentation with the Michigan Science Center on June 27 at 6:30 p.m. at the library. The presentation will be for grades third and above and space is limited, so those interested in attending should sign-up at the library.

At the beginning of August, Joel Tacey will provide participants with a presentation called Extreme Duct Tape Workshop. This will take place on Aug 7 at 6 p.m.

For grades sixth and up, there will be a Grow a Taco project, comic creations and an essay contest on how to build a better world. The Grow a Taco project will consist of students growing ingredients that go on a taco such as lettuce, peppers, and tomatoes.

For more information about Escanaba Library’s summer reading program, call 789-7328 or visit the library’s website at www.escanabalibrary.org.

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